Penn State Outreach

Penn State Outreach

When Eric Gayle began his first semester at Penn State York after graduating from Susquehannock High School in 1989, he realized he wasn't ready for college. Gayle worked for a while and then joined the Navy, serving four years, including as a gunner's mate on the cruiser U.S.S. Dale, stationed at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. In 1996, Gayle returned to Penn State York, using his GI Bill benefits, but left again to take a job to support his growing family. Then, after working in excavation and construction for 10 years, he was laid off. Like millions of other out-of-work Americans, Gayle faced a choice: look for another job that doesn't require a college education or prepare for a new career.

Penn State Outreach honored two educational leaders who are both pioneers in online education and supporters of Outreach.
Dr. Frank Mayadas, a program director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Dr. Gary Miller, the first executive director of Penn State World Campus, were honored at a ceremony during the Penn State Outreach Appreciation Dinner on Sept. 17.

The Penn State Small Business Development Center's First Step Seminar on Sept. 30, is designed exclusively for entrepreneurial-minded students, faculty and staff who have a business idea and need help carrying it out.

Making sense of the complex issues the G-20 will tackle at their summit in Pittsburgh this month will be made a little easier thanks to a series of YouTube videos featuring Penn State educators. The list of challenges the G-20 faces is daunting: the global economic crisis, sustainable development, terrorist financing and climate change, among others.

Family physician Wei-Shin Lai invented the SleepPhone to help her fall asleep after late night calls from patients and hospitals. She wanted to listen to soothing sounds to relax, but could not find a pair of headphones that were comfortable to wear as she slept. After a consultation with the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the company Acoustic Sheep was born. The company now employs eight people and sells SleepPhones all over the world. This is just one example of how the SBDC, which provides one-on-one consulting and seminars to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Centre and Mifflin counties, has helped a new business to start.

Most people don't think about the metal parts that make up things they use daily, from car parts to appliances to medical equipment. The manufacturing of these pieces has historically been a large, unique industry in Pennsylvania. However, like many industries, it is facing job loss and global competition. In a new report, Penn State researchers have explored what can be done to support and maintain this industry, particularly in light of weak car sales.

There are an estimated 14,500 vacant lots in Pittsburgh, and a number of organizations throughout the region are coming together to make the best use possible of these derelict spaces. A new online video, titled "The Urban Side of Green: Part Three," tells the story of Penn State's contribution to this effort.

"I had fun preparing foods that I never tried before."
"I attended the camp so I can help make lunch or dinner."
"I learned how to cook and to chop an onion without it falling apart."
No small feats for these kids ages 11 to 13, who participated in Penn State's Cook Like a Chef! camp last summer. Campers learn about the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables, practice basic cooking techniques, custom-design their own recipes and take part in fun physical activities.

"Salute to the Military Child" is the latest event in ongoing programming to support children of deployed military parents. This event is open to military families and will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on April 19 at American Legion Post 245 in State College. April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the sacrifices made by children in military families.

What do Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Napster and Dell have in common? All were created by young entrepreneurs with a dream. A new Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) seminar, exclusively for students, faculty and staff, will offer the basics on starting a business -- from assessing ideas to regulations and obtaining financing.

Greg Anderson's idea for a small business was simple: a place in which residents in the Huntingdon, Pa., college town where he lived could sip on gourmet coffee or tea and eat from a unique menu -- and, if they needed to, do their laundry in a back room. Plus, Anderson wanted an environmentally friendly company, with biodegradable to-go materials; locally grown produce; and energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and washing machines. For help, Anderson approached his local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which in turn reached out to environmental expertise at the Penn State SBDC.

The annual Road Scholars spring tour for Penn State faculty, hosted by President Graham Spanier, is now accepting reservations for its May 11-13 trip across southwestern Pennsylvania. The tour offers new and newly tenured Penn State faculty several dynamic opportunities to learn about the University and Pennsylvania as they travel to several Penn State campuses and tour businesses and popular historic sites. There is no cost for faculty to participate in this year's tour except for lunch in the Pittsburgh Strip District, one of the city's most popular spots for great food and nightlife. The deadline to register online is Monday, April 13.

Penn State Outreach has named Chris Calkins as its new director of Outreach Health Initiatives. In his new role, Calkins will work to expand health initiatives already underway in Penn State Outreach and identify opportunities to increase Outreach participation in teaching, research and outreach efforts related to health across the University.